Savage on Wheels | Mark Savage

Restyled Honda CR-V remains solid choice

The 2012 CR-V adds a bit more horsepower (5 to be exact) and adds 1.5 cubic feet of cargo space while its length and height shrink a bit.

Pricing has continued to inch higher. The base LX model with two-wheel drive now starts at $22,295 and there's a hefty $810 delivery fee to get it shipped from Ohio. (Lucky it doesn't come from overseas.)

The tested CR-V AWD EX-L with navigation system lists at $29,795.

For that you get a quiet, comfortable small SUV that will hold four adults comfortably, along with a copious amount of luggage.

The 2.4-liter i-VTEC I-4 is a sturdy engine that cranks out 185 horsepower. Acceleration is solid for a small SUV.

Honda sticks with its five-speed automatic transmission. Some small SUVs and cars now come standard with six-speed automatics. This one shifts well, but not quite as smoothly as a few others.

There also is an ECO button on the dash that, once engaged, will speed your shifts to keep the engine's revs down and thereby save a bit of fuel. It did not seriously hamper acceleration, but you notice it's on.

I managed 24.6 mpg in about 60% highway and 40% city driving, which was exactly what the trip computer indicated. The EPA rates the Honda at 22 mpg city and 30 highway.

Ride is generally good, although like most small SUVs it can get a little choppy on rough streets. Highway and suburban driving is well controlled and comfortable. The CR-V rides on a 103.1-inch wheelbase and features 17-inch tires.

Steering remains moderately light and handling is good with little to no lean in tight turns. All-wheel drive is standard on this model, which helps in sloppy road conditions. Traction and stability control also are standard.

Braking from four-wheel discs, vented in front and solid in back, was good. The CR-V also comes with Hill Descent and Hill Start, features that help the small SUV creep down a steep incline or start and gain traction easily on a hill. The Honda also is rated to tow 1,500 pounds, so you could haul a small trailer if needed.

Inside, the quiet interior is laid out well.

The Honda has key start, and a tilt/telescope steering wheel is standard. The test vehicle had phone, radio and cruise buttons on the hub.

CR-V's seats feature flat bottoms and mildly contoured backs that are on the firm side, but comfortable. Both front seats offer two-speed seat heaters and the driver's seat is powered, including lumbar supports. There's also plenty of head and legroom front and rear, and the rear seats fold flat.